To Defeat Trumpism, Combat Learned Powerlessness
Learned powerlessness, isolation, insecurity, and inequity are the enablers of Trump's strongman, I alone can fix it appeal. When government and politicians seek votes but don't address the crunch of day-to-day needs in the face of a barrage of local and global dislocating change, citizens learn that they are powerlessness. Powerlessness–and the subsequent turn to a strongman–are learned in the void left when a community of a common struggle is absent. Trump’s and his acolytes’ appeal draw on racism, xenophobia, homophobia, religious zealotry, etc. All of that warrants denunciation, as does his fascist would-be dictator character and promises. However, if those of us who cherish democracy, justice, and human rights for all don’t address the enablers of powerlessness, he will win.
I am encouraged that people are asserting their voices–their power–in opposition to U.S. support for Israel's genocidal war on Palestinians. I am optimistic that unions are reasserting workers’ rights. I am heartened that young people and others are engaged in struggles for housing, climate justice, healthcare, and LGBTQ rights. I am buoyed that parents and educators are fighting the well-funded attempts to destroy public education, ban books, and deny the ugly parts of our collective history. These fledgling, long-term struggles are yet to be fully realized. It is not victories that give me hope but the collegial efforts in which people find one another and their voices and capabilities. That is the antidote to powerlessness and isolation.
These struggles will not bear fruit between now and election day in November. However, whoever emerges victorious the morning after the vote counting will determine our ability to continue fighting for justice. No hyperbole. No doubt. Trump and his allies have announced their intent to quash dissent and punish opponents without moral qualms or allegiance to democratic or constitutional norms. Just look at the behavior of the governors of Florida and Texas with full legislative support with respect to abortion, book banning, restriction of free speech in schools, school privatization, and immigration. Think about Trump inspired mob violence. Look at the Supreme Court. Imagine well-armed vigilantes with government constraints.
The organizers and participants in civic action for justice do the essential work to give people a voice so they do not feel powerless and isolated in the face of insecurity and inequity.
That is necessary but insufficient to save democracy and advance human rights.
What I find profoundly discouraging–no beyond that–is the failure of mainstream Democrats to put forth a counter-narrative and action beyond vote for me to save democracy and you might be aware, but Joe Biden is doing great things. At the very least, too many folks just aren't feeling it. To many continue to struggle to make ends meet, the lower inflation rate and infrastructure projects notwithstanding.
More ominous, many with images of daily Gazan death and destruction in mind are indicating they can’t bring themselves to vote for those they view as genocide supporters. I don't expect politicians to do the organizing. If they want to protect democracy and human rights and not just get votes, they will encourage and endorse the organizing and not try to thwart it.
It is particularly egregious that mainstream Democrats with encouragement, if not direct funding, from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), have launched primary challenges to progressive Democrats such as N.Y. Representative Jamal Bowman. Bowman is the kind of Democrat who encourages and identifies with citizen action. In contrast, another N.Y. representative, Pat Ryan, recently denounced and misrepresented peaceful civil disobedience at his Kingston office to demand that he call for a ceasefire and end to U.S. military aid for Israel's devastating war on Gaza.
Keep up the organizing. Do not let anyone tell you not to challenge Democrats lest they be weakened in the fight against Trump. Squelching criticism induces powerlessness. Instead, let’s get the message out loud and clear to Democrats: Change course or enough voters will stay home to cause your defeat, and with it democracy.
Arthur taught and led science professional learning and curriculum and assessment development projects for 50 yrs. He writes about education and social justice. He loves spending time with friends and family, hiking, and gardening.
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